Farley Junior School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 24/05/2004 Inspector Name Sally Lamb

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Sessional Day Care Setting Name Westfield Playgroup Setting Address Church Hall Vicarage Lane, Westfield Hastings East Sussex TN35 4SD

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of The Management Committee

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name The Management Committee Address Westfield Playgroup Parish Church Hall,Vicarage Road Westfield East Sussex TN35 4SD

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care in accordance with the National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding; and that the nursery education for funded three and four year old children is of an acceptable quality. Inspection of nursery education also identifies strengths and weaknesses so that providers can improve the quality of educational provision and help children to achieve the early learning goals (elgs) by the end of the Foundation Stage. This inspection report must be made available to all parents. If the setting has been inspected previously, an action plan will have been drawn up to tackle issues identified. This inspection, therefore, must also assess what progress has been made in the implementation of this plan.

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Information about the setting

Westfield Playgroup opened in 1996. It operates from two rooms in Westfield church hall which is located next to the church. There are kitchen and toilet facilities and an outdoor play area. It serves families from the local community. There are currently 24 children on roll. This includes 9 funded 3 year olds and 10 funded 4 years olds. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The setting makes provision for children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language, however there are none currently attending. The nursery opens Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions are from 09.30 until 12.00. There are six members of staff who work with the children. Three members of staff are currently undertaking training to update or enhance an already held childcare qualification. Two other staff are working towards gaining a qualification. The setting receives support from an advisor from the Early Years Development and Childcare

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How good is the Day Care?

Westfield Playgroup provides satisfactory care for children. An experienced and committed staff provide a safe, comfortable and clean environment for children. Staff work well as a team. They organise the space effectively to ensure children have easy access to resources and activities. Most required documentation is in place, there is no procedure to be followed where a parent has a complaint about the provision. There are effective procedures to keep children safe both indoors and out. Children learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine. Children learn independence skills as they serve their own drinks and are provided with varied healthy snacks. Staff are careful to adhere to any special dietary needs. Staff treat children with respect and accept and acknowledge differences. Staff understand their role in child protection and have appropriate procedures in place should they

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How good is the Day Care?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 have concerns. Staff work with the children at all times and show interest in what the children say and do. Staff provide a range of interesting activities that appeal to all ages and preferences. Children with special needs are welcome, but staff lack experience in working with parents and other agencies. Staff use age appropriate strategies to reinforce good behaviour and children respond well to sensitive support, praise and encouragement. The playgroup has a friendly relationship with parents and carers. Staff ensure that children are cared for according to parents' wishes. There is a notice board which offers some basic information about the provision but staff are not proactive in making parents aware of all policies and procedures and the educational

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How good is the Day Care?

programme. Parents are happy with the provision and receive sufficient feedback on their children's progress.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

At the last inspection the playgroup was asked to ensure all staff and committee members are vetted; to produce an action plan to show how the group will work towards meeting minimum staffing qualification levels and to produce an Equal Opportunities policy. In addition the group agreed to provide adequate hand washing facilities and ensure electrical sockets do not pose a hazard. The group has satisfactorily completed all of the actions from the last inspection. Three members of staff are undertaking training to update or enhance qualifications already held and two other staff have embarked on gaining a recognised qualification. Thermostatically controlled hot water is now available in the children's toilets and all electrical sockets are protected. The group has produced a written policy that relicts the Equal Opportunity practice of the group.

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What is being done well?

• Children are happy and secure. Good relationships are built between adults and children. The staff know the children well and are sensitive to their needs. • Space is used effectively to allow children to move freely between activities. A small room is used for quieter activities such as story time and singing. • Behaviour management is good. Staff are calm and have high expectations of behaviour and children respond to guidance.

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What needs to be improved?

• the complaints policy and procedure; • information for parents about the educational programme.

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 12 Consider ways of giving parents more information about the educational programme 14 Write a procedure to be followed where a parent has a complaint about the service provided and make this available to parents

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by the time of the next inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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How effective is the nursery education?

The provision for nursery education at Westfield Playgroup is acceptable and of good quality. Children are making generally good progress in communication, language and literacy and mathematical development and very good progress in all other areas. Teaching is generally good. Staff plan a variety of practical activities, both indoors and outdoors, and understand what children learn from them, however plans do not identify the learning intentions and adult role. Resources are of good quality and well organised to increase children's independence. Staff are skilled at developing children's language. Group activities for the funded children are presented in an enthusiastic and imaginative manner, but are not always extended to provide sufficient challenge, particularly in aspects of literacy and mathematics. Staff have begun to observe and make notes of children's learning, using a 'development flower'. However, their assessments are not sufficiently evaluated

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How effective is the nursery education?

against the stepping stones and early learning goals. As a result they do not always provide a secure basis on which to plan the next steps to move children on and to support children's individual needs. The leadership and management are generally good. The supervisor is supported in her role by a committee of parents and is effective in developing a committed staff team who have a collaborative approach to all aspects of their work. The partnership with parents is generally good. Parents spend time talking informally to staff about their children and are encouraged to be involved in their children's learning. They have access to some basic information about the educational programme and to records of their children's achievements.

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What is being done well?

• Children's personal, social and emotional development is fostered well. They learn to be independent as they pour their own drinks at snack time and carry out responsibilities as 'today's helper'. • Children communicate well with adults and peers using good vocabulary. They enjoy books and know how to handle them. • Children's imagination in the role play corner is nurtured. Staff plan and resource this area well, often linking it to the current theme. • Children are happy, confident and inquisitive. They form easy and trusting relationships with staff and know the routines which make them feel secure. • Children's physical development is good. Children have plenty of opportunities both indoors and outside to practice skills such as throwing,

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 catching, balancing and climbing.

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What needs to be improved?

• the short term planning, to include the learning intention and differentiation based on observations and assessment; • the assessment and record system to provide a clearer link with the stepping stones and early learning goals; • how staff put into practice the special educational needs policy.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are happy, confident and settle well. They have a positive approach to new experiences and show good levels of concentration in chosen activities. Children talk freely about their home and family. They have good opportunities to develop independence, for example at snack time. Children form good relationships with adults and peers. They are beginning to share without prompting and take turns when playing in the sand. Children behave well and respond to praise.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Generally Good Children speak confidently and enjoy talking about activities and their families during free play. They listen well to stories and instructions. They enjoy acting out and retelling familiar stories. Children handle books well and show an interest in illustrations. They recognise their names and more able children recognise other children's names. Children have opportunities to write but this is not sufficiently extended during free play and some planned activities.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Generally Good Children are able to count to 10 and beyond and are beginning to recognise and compare shapes, position and size. However, their understanding of simple calculation is not always sufficiently challenged as they take part in planned and routine tasks. They learn that coins have different values as they buy items in the pretend shop and learn about weight and capacity in cooking activities.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Children learn to explore and investigate through a stimulating range of topics. Staff encourage children to talk about and enact past and familiar events and stories. They extend their knowledge of other cultures through topics such as 'How do you celebrate in your family?'. They develop their designing and making skills using a variety of materials. They do not currently have use of a computer but their learning is supported by everyday technology such as tape recorders and calculators.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children move confidently around the playgroup both indoors and out. Children learn about the importance of staying healthy and how their body works through interesting topics. Staff are on hand to give support and encourage new skills such as helping children to walk on stilts safely. Children squeeze pegs on to washing lines, pick up lentils with tiny scoops, and learn to handle scissors, pencils, paintbrushes and cutlery with increasing control.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children learn about colour, texture, shape and form using a variety of media. They enjoy worthwhile opportunities to explore three dimensional space when creating collages and models. They have regular music and movement activities and enjoy playing with musical instruments. Role play activities are varied and interesting. Children enjoy playing in the 'travel agents' and packing a bag which they take on holiday.

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Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION

The provision is acceptable and is of good quality overall. Children are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals. The next inspection will take place in three to four years time.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

• Identify the learning intention for focused activities and show how staff would check on the effectiveness of the activity. • Provide sufficient challenge to more able children, particularly in aspects of literacy and mathematics. • Implement a system to inform parents of the Foundation Stage and what children are expected to learn so that they can become more involved in their children's learning and contribute to the assessment process. • Further develop staff's knowledge and understanding of how to support children with Special Educational Needs and effectively share plans and records with parents.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

The provider must draw up an action plan within 40 working days of receipt of this report showing how the key issues detailed above will be addressed. The action plan must be made available to all parents and to the Local Authority if required. An evaluation of the action taken will form part of the next inspection of funded nursery education.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT: THE KEY ISSUES

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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